Read the buyers manual carefully to identify the points of interest or the priorities individual buyers have set themselves. If you are missing a few appointments, mingle at the coffee break where you may find a buyer willing to add you his appointment list. If that doesn't work you still have the first evening's cocktail reception. Set yourself a target to talk to 10 people you have never met before. Customise your sales pitch to the buyer's needs. That means be a good listener as well as a talker Ask the buyer to identify what he is looking for at TTM or seek to understand his product and market. Seek background information from buyers who can help you understand markets Spent time talking to buyers rather than sellers, your colleagues and neighbours in the market. You can meet them any time. Buyers are around just once a year e Be positive when meeting with buyers from small or emerging markets. You could be surprised by their worth, and a balanced market mix is always a safer way to play Encourage your second delegate to meet with the media and pass on product updates. Exchange business cards and make sure your TTM badge is the right way round Supply buyers with a CD-rom of your product rather than a printed sales kit lt saves on weight. Follow up with an email forwarding your information by PDF files or an email-able CD-rom content that does not overload the email box. Follow up with emails but avoid sending junk mail such as electronic newsletters Note the important points of each meeting at the close of the session, rather than at the end of the day man Travel Trade Report, September 18-24, 2002